Understanding our ecology is essential to comprehending the current environmental concerns. The climate principles, many types of ecosystems, contemporary climate challenges, anthropogenic activities that threaten the environment, and the role of youth in environmental protection are all covered in this part.
- It is impossible to overestimate the value of all forms of life.
Each organism plays a crucial role in nature. Because a niche, also known as an occupational or functional position, cannot be occupied by more than one species at the same time, all living beings must be considered essential to the ecosystem’s balance.
It’s easy to admire the lovely butterflies, especially given their crucial function in pollination, according to David Goodnight from Austin. The colossal monsters – elephants, whales, and alligators – inspire awe, and the items they produce – ivory, oil, and leather, respectively – are highly valued. However, this idea gets frequently forgotten by unlovable and unpleasant species.
- Everything is subject to change.
It gets claimed that the only constant thing is change. Change can get classified as linear, cyclical, or random in general. The evolution of species, which has resulted in higher and more complex animals, is an example of linear change. Seasons and the rhythms in floral and faunal life stages that accompany them are examples of cyclical change.
The environment is in constant flux, according to David Goodnight from Austin. Organisms evolve as well. However, man’s technology has often hurt these natural processes. Pesticides have caused insect mutations that are not matched by natural checks and balances, although mutation is a natural process.
- Everything has to have a destination.
When you toss away a piece of paper, it vanishes from view but does not vanish from existence. It’s lost. Smokestack gases may disperse, but they will eventually become a part of the atmosphere or get carried down by rains. We should be concerned about the impact of a form of garbage on the earth’s repository. Some criteria determine whether it is a contaminant or a resource.
- Our planet is limited.
There are two types of resources on the planet: renewable and non-renewable. Non-renewable resources cannot get replenished by natural cycles (e.g., water, air, plants, and animals). Renewable resources can get replenished by natural changes (e.g., water, air, plants, and animals) (ex., ores of various metals, oil, coal). While renewable resources can get restored, it’s vital to remember that they’re only renewable if they’re not abused or damaged by things like pollution. It is necessary to understand how much of each resource may get consumed at any given time to balance exploitation and replenishment rates to ensure that these resources get constantly replenished.
- Nature is lovely, and we are God’s guardians.
Humans are the only creatures made in God’s image, and they must be given the power to reign over the rest of His creations. Humans, the most intelligent and rational species, are capable of manipulating nature to their benefit. However, nature exists to be cared for, not ravaged or abused. Humans are unable to survive without the presence of nature. They blend in with their surroundings.